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Cold weather is such a great time to stay in, get cozy, and cuddle up with a warm drink. Sometimes it can feel challenging to maintain motivation and tackle tasks when all you want to do is stay warm . Pursuing goals always feels good, but the allure of warm blankets is super tempting. Here are five strategies to help you stay motivated, even during the winter.
Spend Time Outside in the Sunlight
The cold months might be dark and gloomy where you live, but chances are there is still some sunlight now and then. CNBC reports that you should spend about an hour a day outdoors in the sunlight even if it's cold outside.
Sunlight is essential for more than just vitamin D. A study published in Innovations Clinical Neuroscience shows that sunlight helps to release serotonin, the feel good hormone. Feeling good can help you get the inspiration and motivation you need. So bundle up and take a walk or spend some time on your porch. The sunlight and fresh air are waiting for you.
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Enjoy the Winter Beauty
Focusing on the beauty and magic of the season can be a great way to bring back your motivation, reports Forbes. Winter can be stunning, and choosing to dwell on the positive aspects of the season can not only help you get things done but also spread the positivity forward and help your friends and coworkers feel motivated and excited to be productive.
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Schedule Time for What You Love
If you have hobbies or activities that you usually enjoy doing, try to schedule time and make it a priority. A blog on Calendar explains that when you are in a rut, you can sometimes make excuses and procrastinate doing things, even things that you really love doing. Calendar recommends scheduling these activities and making them part of your to-do list. That way, you get to do the activity you love and you also get to enjoy the good feelings you get from doing what you love. That will really improve your mood.
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Wake Up Early
The days are short in the winter! So you might as well wake up early and enjoy them as much as possible! According to the Caffeinate and Breathe blog, rising with the sun can be beneficial during the colder months, and that it can help you stay motivated during those months. That way you get to have the sunlight for as much time as possible.
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Plan for Success
Last but not least, set yourself up for success and it will come your way! According to the Blogilates blog, you should think about what your barriers are. What are the things that are making it hard for you to be motivated? What is stopping you from performing the way you want to? Then, set yourself up to succeed despite those challenges. For example, if you are not in the mood of working out, prepare your workout clothes the night before so they are the first thing you see in the morning. If you are feeling uninspired when it comes to cooking, plan a menu. Be kind to yourself and structure your plans in a way that acknowledges your current level of motivation and even assists in elevating it. You’ve got this!
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